Founders and the Constitution

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)

One 45-minute class period.

In this lesson, students will study the life of Thomas Jefferson. Students will learn about his efforts to protect individual rights and human liberty, his views on the Founding, and the contradictions between his words and his actions.

Founding Principles

Equality

Every individual is equal to every other person in regards to natural rights and treatment before the law.

Freedom of Religion

The freedom to exercise one's own religious beliefs without interference from the government is essential to the existence of a free society.

Inalienable / Natural Rights

Freedoms which belong to us by nature and can only be justly taken away through due process.

Liberty

Except where authorized by citizens through the Constitution, the government does not have the authority to limit freedom.

Representative / Republican Government

Form of government in which the people are sovereign (the ultimate source of power) and authorize representatives to make and carry out laws.